How to Live Out of a Backpack: Moisture Management

This is a series of posts about ‘how to live out of a backpack’ as a nomad, minimalist, operative, expat, traveler or for everyday life as a lifestyle.

One does not need a home full of things to live. Just like ancient times, all we need is what we can carry on our backs.

Moisture Management //

Impromptu waterproofing has already been covered here for temporary fixes and emergency situations. However, even if your backpack is waterproof by design, moisture damage may be an issue.

This is a more permanent solution to protect against not water, but from excess moisture that develops from effecting weather and climate.

Even if your primary locale has low humidity and little rainfall, this simple hack will provide protection from moisture damage to your electronics, rust prevention to your metal tools, mold / dampness defense for your clothes and an overall “freshness” to your loadout.

Furthermore, it also prolongs the life of your gear, as well as reducing document (e.g., passports, paperwork) deformations and deterioration.

The hack is very easy to implement and maintain. All you need is some silica gel packets, also known as “dry-packs”. It’s those small packages that come included with foods and many other goods.

You’ve probably thrown out hundreds of them over time, just dismissing it as garbage. From now on, save them to use your own way, or buy them in bulk here.

Implementation is merely placing these packets strategically around and in your backpack and kits.

A packet or two for each and every pocket, packing cube and compartment. That’s it.

This creates an ideal micro-climate inside your backpack that’s always working to keep your gear in optimal condition through humidity control.

These don’t last forever so they’ll have to be replaced once in a while, but maintenance takes little effort.

When you’re actively collecting silica gel packets instead of just throwing them away, you’ll probably have a decent collection of them without even trying.

You don’t really have to think about it too much. Just replace an old packet with a new one whenever a product you buy comes with them.

There’s 2 ways to tell if a silica gel packet is spent; the packaging will show wear and they get noticeably heavier as they absorb moisture over time.

Water can damage or kill equipment on contact, the same is with moisture, it just takes longer.

How to Live Out of a Backpack:
Moisture Management

[Gear featured: Triple Aught Design FAST Pack Scout VX42 Prototype Backpack + Control Panel 2 + Transport Cube, Tuff-Writer Operator Pen, Guardian Tactical Exilis Knife, Princeton Tec Point MPLS LED Task Light and Leatherman Charge TTi Multi-Tool.]